Bonding Over a Broom

You may not think that a fifth-grade student would voluntarily give up a portion of his lunch break and recess to mop a floor or wipe down a table, but that is exactly what Gorsuch West student Noah has been doing for the past two years.

Every day, Noah meets Mr. Swisher, managing custodian, in the lunchroom to assist him with his cleaning regime.

"He just came up to me one day a few years ago and asked if he could help and I said sure, anyone can help. He's been by my side every day since," said Swisher.

While many parents can't get their children to put their cereal bowls in the sink, it seems unusual that a child would volunteer to clean, but Noah said he enjoys doing the work alongside his friend, Mr. Swisher.

"We talk and he's funny and nice," Noah said. "He tells jokes sometimes."

When asked if he ever has a day when he would rather be playing at recess, Noah simply responded, "No." That makes Mr. Swisher feel good.

"It makes me happy that a kid would be willing to give up his recess to stay inside and help me," Swisher said. "I would not have done that when I was a kid. I just love him to death. He's a great kid."

Mr. Swisher went on to say that not only is Noah kind and respectful to him, but he is kind to everyone and has never said an unkind word about any other student.

Noah said he considers Mr. Swisher his good friend. "A friend is someone you can go to and talk about things about your life," he said. "Someone who can be there." And the two regularly talk about both of their days and about things Noah is doing in his classroom. But make no mistake, when asked what his favorite thing is about school, Noah said, "The cleaning."

Next year Noah will be off to middle school after attending Gorsuch West since kindergarten. Mr. Swisher is happy for him but will miss his helper.

"Oh, I am going to miss him," Mr. Swisher said. "I guarantee you that."